Aurora Public Arts, Saturday June 20 @10am
Hear Cristina Kahlo—grand-niece of Frida Kahlo—trace four generations of family photography in an intimate talk at Aurora Public Arts. Pair the conversation with a visit to Edith Farnsworth House to see how light and place shape both images and architecture.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
No special fitness required; attendees should be able to stand and sit for a two-hour talk and walk short distances.
Wildlife
History
Edith Farnsworth House, designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and completed in the early 1950s, is a prominent example of mid-century modern architecture sited along the Fox River floodplain.
Conservation
The Fox River corridor supports prairie-edge habitats; visitors are encouraged to stick to paths, avoid trampling vegetation, and follow Leave No Trace principles to protect the riverbank and seasonal plant life.
Farnsworth House
Aurora Public Arts, Saturday June 20 @10am
Farnsworth House is a historic modernist house in Plano, Illinois dedicated to architecture, art, and landscape interpretation. Operated as a conserved cultural site, Farnsworth House offers guided tours of the Edith Farnsworth House and self-guided access to 60 acres of grounds from March through November.
Visitors can join specialized experiences including watercolor workshops, canoe trips along the Fox River, moonlight tours, curator-led talks, live music evenings, and collaborative events with local partners. Programs at Farnsworth House combine architectural interpretation with seasonal exhibitions and community-focused events.
Expert guides provide 90-minute tours that explore Ludwig Mies van der Rohe's design, the property's preservation efforts, and the house's place in Mid-Century Modern history. Special events feature artist talks, exhibit openings, and joint tours with nearby cultural organizations and local distilleries. Farnsworth House engages recognized curators and artists to present rotating exhibitions that illuminate local and Native American art, including focused conversations on artists such as Truman Lowe.
Families, architecture enthusiasts, art students, and outdoor recreation visitors find value in combined offerings like canoe-and-tour days, the Trifecta House tour with additional private homes, and evening music and dining events. Farnsworth House's blend of education, conservation, and cultural programming positions it as a trusted destination for learning, photography, and reflective visits to a landmark of American modernism.
Seasonal ticketing and limited capacities ensure personalized, high-quality visitor experiences year-round.
Location
Plano, Illinois
On the banks of the Fox River
Tours Offered
11
Guided, self-guided, special events
Grounds
60 acres
Riverside walks, birding, photography
Exhibitions
Rotating
Curated shows and artist talks
Book guided tours, workshops, and special events in Plano, Illinois — limited seating available.
Check in at Aurora Public Arts
Arrive early and check in at Aurora Public Arts, David L. Pierce Art & History Center, 20 E Downer Place, 3rd Floor, Aurora, IL; printed tickets are not required.
Allow transit time to Plano
If you plan to visit Edith Farnsworth House afterward (14520 River Road, Gate 1, Plano, IL), factor in 20–35 minutes for drive and parking between Aurora and Plano.
Respect exhibit etiquette
Photography rules and handling vary for archival prints—ask staff before photographing and avoid flash near historic materials.
Dress for light and weather
The Farnsworth House emphasizes light and reflections—bring a lightweight layer for breezy river conditions and comfortable shoes for short walks.
Notebook and pen
To jot down archival anecdotes, darkroom tips, and curatorial points you’ll want to remember.
Camera or smartphone
For exterior shots of the Farnsworth House and Fox River views—confirm interior photo rules first.
Comfortable shoes
You may walk between event spaces and across the Farnsworth House grounds.
Refillable water bottle
Stay hydrated during transit and while exploring outdoor viewpoints near the house.
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